Application of Water Quality Index for Assessment of Surface Water Quality Status in Goa

Abstract

Water quality index (WQI) is valuable and unique rating to depict the overall water quality status in a single term that is helpful for the selection of appropriate treatment technique to meet the concerned issues. Thirty Six surface water samples were collected from in and around mining talukas of Goa (India). The quality of surface water were evaluated by testing various physico-chemical parameters such as pH, Total Dissolved Solid (TDS), Total Hardness (TH), Total Suspended Solid (TSS), Calcium, Magnesium, Chloride, Nitrate, Sulphate, Dissolved Oxygen and Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD). The WQI for all samples were found in the range of 34 to 107. The highest value of WQI was observed during the monsoon season while the lowest value was during the post monsoon season. Most of the water samples within study area were found within Good to moderate categories.